Life with the Gundrys

Beautiful Day

2012-02-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day outside today! Payton and I woke up and went on a bike ride to the park. then came home and played outside all afternoon. She had such a blast running all over the backyard! Of course I couldn't help but take a million pictures of her! She's just too cute to pass up!

A New Endeavour

2012-02-05T21:14:00.000-08:00

As most of you know I have started selling Jewelry with Stella and Dot! This last weekend I had my Launch party and it went really well! I always love having all of my favorite people all in one place.

We ate, laughed, drank wine and of course tried on and bought jewely. I couldn't be happier with it.

I started doing this with the intent that I would earn some extra cash here and there, and I am doing just that! Wish me luck and send your jewelry loving friends my way :)

Januray Pics

2012-01-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

I absolutely cannot believe that Janurary is almost over! Not that I am really conplaining because Januray is not my favorite month.... I am usually ready for spring, so this juts means we are a bit closer! We have spent most of January outside. Payton won't have it any other way. I think she would live out there if I would let her. Here are a few pictures of her doing some of her favorite things.

Playing with Lucy

Running

and practicing her "jumps"

I love that these two pictures are actually of her jumping but you don;t see any bend in the knee at all! haha! She's gotten better since these were taken though, she's been working on it:) I love the determination on her face! Just Love her<3

Happy Birthday Amy!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

The Gundry household rang in the new year at home playing a board game and having a fire in our new fire pit! We went to dinner and then settled into our evening at home. It was nice and cozy, just perfect. :)
2011 was pretty good to me, but I am excited to see what 2012 has in store! Well, It is late and I still have school work to do ( as usual) so I am going to leave it short and sweet! Happy New Year! I hope this one brings you happiness and joy!

Back to work!

The next Celine....

2011-12-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

While gabbing with mom on the phone, I heard that Payton was awake from her nap so I turned up the monitor to find her doing this....Step back Celine Dion!

Home Is Where The Heart Is

2011-12-28T07:53:00.000-08:00

This last week and a half has been so much fun! I can't explain the feeling I get when I am able to just be home with Payton. I actually feel like a real mom. We have been busy playing at the park, shopping, cooking, cleaning and crafting! I cherish this time, and I am so sad that it is almost over. She is growing so fast and sometimes I feel like it is just passing me by. I can't believe that she is going to be 2 years old in just 2 short months. Where did the time go? Where did my baby go? She is turing into a strong minded toddler and I absolutely love it ( even when she is pulling my hair and laughing) I am pretty proud of what a fast learner she is too! Eric and I work with her in the tub on her letters and she already can tell you the sounds of A,O,F,T,H she can name a good 10 of them, or more, if you show them to her. Anything I ask her to try to say she will , this just makes her Kindergarten teacher of a mommy so proud! Her newest thing is saying Target ( the french sounding way) Anytime we get in the car that's what she says. HA! I guess I go there a lot! And that one, was not something I prompted her to say, it was all on her own. I can't even begin to describe all the wonderful cute things that she says and does, because there are so many, but I will do my best! This is in no particular order :)

1. Wuv eyes (I love you)

2. That she can't sleep with just Minnie or just Mickey. It has to be both

3. The fan and her ocean sounds MUST be on or she cannnot go to bed

4. How she counts 1....2....5....2

5. sings her ABC's ABCDDDA

6. She has a very good idea of what is only for our eyes, and she will say "eyes onee"

7. Bosses the dog around "LUCY! HEY! NO! HEY!"

8. Her newest thing is stalling before bedtime. She pulls out all the stops............................................ " cuddle...cuddle..........pee pee, potty, milk, wabba, kisses, hugs..." the list goes on all the way to her bedroom! But will still sing the good night song with me!

9.Grandpa( my dad)= Pi Pa Grandma ( Debbie step mom)= gamma Grandma( my mom) = mi ma I think this is the way she decifers between the two granmas. I think it's so cute that she says them differently.

Nana ( Eri's mom)= Nay Nay Papa( Erics dad) = papa

10. now that she knows the difference between blue and green she will point them out all the time. Same with letters.

11. Loves the Itsy Bitsy Spider song

12. Loves to dance and do front rolls( she does this very well too!) Can't wait to get her in tumbling!

13. LOVES LOVES LOVES her daddy!

14. Oddly enough she is really fixated on the author and illistator at the end of Goodnight Moon. I can't even finish the book without her rushing me to the back to read about Clement Hurd and Margret Wise Brown... I have no idea where this came from, but it's been months. haha!

15. Fell in love with Frosty the Snowman this year ( She is singing it in her crib as we speak!)

16. NEVER forgets to say "bless you" when anyone sneezes! Even herself

17. If you ask her where we go pee she will answer" potty" but she won't actually do it! It's happened twice....

18.Loves to help clean

19. Baths snd being wrapped up in her towel afterwards

20. Lately I have been telling her "Great job Listening! What a good girl!" So now, when she does something I ask her too she says " Good Girl, Listen!" It's so cute!

As always there are a million other things that she does that is adorable.... but I will leave you with some cute photos to check out!

Back to work.............. Boo! :(

Winter Gear

2011-12-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here in Arizona we don't need much winter gear, this is about as much as we need on a really cold day. ( with a jacket of course) But when we saw these gloves and hat at Target Payton had them on ALL day. I had to go to Lowes to pick up a couple things and she was so proud to show them off to all the people that she passed by in the isles. Too cute!

Looking all grown up

A Surprise Encounter

2011-12-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

The evening started out as a fun time with the family at Diana's house to celebrate Grandads birthday. Payton played with all the kids all night, and I could not tear her away from the trampoline. We said goodbye to everyone and then headed to the car, but as we were buckling up.......

A very nice neighbor came by with her horse Midnight. She was so kind to let Pay pet her and sit on her.

Then off to Dad's to visit with Aunt Lisa

A Christmasy Kind of Evening

2011-12-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

Last week, we took Payton to sit in Santas lap and get our tree! It was a really fun family night! She was definitely excited to see Santa, but then changed her tune as soon as she was about to sit in his lap. She screamed the whole time!But still, through her tears, she thanked him and said I love you in the end. I don't think that she will be traumatized for life, but we will have it for life beacuse we got the whole thing on video. I am going to try to upload it for everyones viewing pleasures! It's so cute! From there, we went on a Christmas Tree hunt and not before long we found the perfect one. Payton was so excited to put ornaments on it. I thought it was going to be one of those times where i would have to stage the hanging of the ornament picture, but I didn't at all! She was so into it! she was bring ornaments over so fast, I couldn't keep up! She's a natural, what can I say? I guess being my daughter she would have to love Christmas just as much as I do! It makes me happy :)

Running

2011-12-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

I have been attempting to be better with my running lately. Life just seems to get so busy with work and household chores that itusually takes a backseat. The last two weekends I have done runs with Heather and Debbie, which have been really fun! Kinda gets me back in th mode! Here's hoping... :)

This was a morning run at Kiwanis park held for a young woman named Salley Meyerhoff who passed away tragically this last March. Although I did not personally know her or her family, I couldn't help but feel for their loss. There was an amazing turn out for a first year run! IT was a great way to start the day.

This run was a night time run up in Cave Creek on one of the coldest nights we've had! Even though my teeth were chattering the whole time, I still finished! That's what counts!

Cozy

2011-11-27T14:51:00.001-08:00

Loving her new slippers

Payton's new word is cozy. I wish that I was able to describe how she says it. It is the cutest thing! She will bring me a blanket and say "cozy" meaning, wrap this around me. Well, yesterday we got her new slippers at Buy Buy Baby and she was so excited to have them. Being that it has been cooler out, I have been wearing slippers and Pay is always taking them off my feet and putting them on hers. So when I saw these I had to get them! As soon as we got home she wanted them on ( actually she didn't want to take them off at the store to pay for them) her fisrt words were "COZY!" The rubber on the bottom makes a noise on the wood floor that she couldn't get enough of, so she never took them off. She just kept walking all over the house to hear the noise. She feels so big!

Checkin the out

She walked all over the house

Showing me her new slippers

Just like mommy

Lucy is cozy too

November Catch Up

2011-11-27T14:33:00.001-08:00

Here is a little glimpse of November in the Gudry household! Yes, I started decorating early. I just couldn't help myself! We cleaned the garage one weekend and the boxes were out.... Whats a Christmas loving girl to do? We had a lovely Thanksgiving sharing it with Eric Family at Nanee and Grandads and then with mine at Dad and Debs. It's always a busy day, but we are glad to be able to spend it with everyone! As you can see Payton finally decided to put the lamb hat of her costume on. A little late, but at least I got a picture! haha! I can't believe that November is almost over and Christmas si right around the corner! Time flies when your having fun!

Beautiful Girl

Frustration always shines through when she is trying to dress herself

Better late than never!

Helping me decorate the house

She loved the star

and the bells

I just love her

she's getting so big!

Helping grandpa put the toys away

Breaking Dawn!

A single ponytail! Yay! It's so cute!

Chocolate face

Hitchin a ride

Kisses for Grandad

I love this picture because Payton is pointing at her milk cup, and Lucy Spotted another bulldog across the way.

Mike and Grams

October Catch Up

2011-11-26T13:07:00.001-08:00

As always, life is busy and the blog takes a back seat, but that doesn't mean the pictures wont come! We have been busy with Pumpkin picking, Trick or Treating, and turkey eating!....Along with work and daily life... but hey it wouldn't be exciting if we didn;t keep busy right?

Pay has done somuch changing over th last couple of months ....and Lucy too :) She is talking so much. Anything you ask her to say she will give it a great effort and most of the time it's pretty close. She is a daddy's girl through and through. It is all about daddy! Any time she hears the chime on our door she looks in the kitchen and says" daddy!?" As soon as he walks in she says "Back? Back?" beacuse she wants a ride, and of course he gives it to her :) There are days that I am pretty sure I don't exist beacuse she only wants Eric. Of course, it breaks my heart when that happens, but at the same time I love to see how much she adores him. She's so lucky to have such a great daddy.

She is such a big girl with a big personaity. She knows exactly what she wants. when she wants it, how to get it, and who to go to! haha! She keeps herself busy by torturing the dog, playing outside, singing songs helping us with chores around the house. There are a million things that I could go on and on about but let's just look at some pictures!

Pretty Girl

Peek-a-Boo

Happiness

Another favorite pass time!

With her best bud Lucy

Celebrating Katies Birthday with the Girls!

I was pretty proud of these cake pops I made!

Sister Mary Payton

Play Time at Grandma and Grandpas House

We celebrated Sean's Wedding

Playing in mommy's heels, and pushing her baby!

Eric and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary

We went to the pumpkin patch!

Yes we were hot, but at least our pictures are somewhat fallish....

Digging in!

.....And that sums uo October!

Forget the Little Bites!

2011-10-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Pay has decided that she does not want to take little bites anymore... She prefers to eat just like everyone else! haha

She's thinking about it

Daddy can see that she wants a bite so he gives her one

but she would rather do it herself:)

Very proud of her success!

18 Months Old!!

2011-09-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Our little peanut is 1 1/2 today! Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were in the hospital awaiting her arrival, and now she is this toddler with a HUGE personality and mind of her own. I look at her everyday and I am overwhelmed with emotions. I love watching her learn new things everyday, I love to see her change and grow. Yet, at the same time I yearn for her to just stay this little baby that I can alwayshold in my arms.

She is so much more than we ever imagined her to be. She is so smart and sassy, she knows what she wants, when she wants and she won't forget to let you know! She has quite vocabulary:

Here you go

Bone ( with anitalian accent)

bye bye____( fill in the blank withwho ever she is saying it to.

Love you ( wuveyes)

thank you ( Di Do)

Ariel ( Ayel)

Belle

Cinderella ( ellella, witha tongue roll)

anybodies name you ask her to say

Please ( with the begging tone)

pool

swimming

I'll get it ( A det it)

There are so many more I couldn't possibly list them all.

Along with her talking she still enjoys singing the itsy bitsy spider while using her arms. She fills in the blanks when I stop the song.

Her favorite book is Good Night Moon, again, completing the sentence when I stop reading. The funniest thing about it is when we get to about the middle of the book she get so anxious to finish because she is obsessed with looking at the pictures of the author and illustrator. If I ask her where is Margret Wise Brown she will point to the picture of her. If I ask her where is Clement she will point to his picture! And no I did not even point them out to her. She has this fascination all on her own!

She doesn't have much of an appetite lately, we have to make her eat. She is good if she could jus drink milk all day! Payton and Lucy are still in a Love/Hate relationship, but more on th love end these days.

She has continued to sleep really well at night, we went through a time where naps were rough, but the last week or so she has been taking 3 hour naps and going down without a peep.

She is s much fun, and I could go on and on, but for now here are some pictures of our muffin!

Fall Fever

2011-09-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

This happens to me every year, and I swear it gets earlier and earlier! It's just too hot and I don;t care that it is only September 3rd, I'm putting up my fall stuff. Not Halloween just yet, but maybe in a few weeks. All I want is for it to at least be below 100..............that would be nice. Poor Payton is so restless and just wants to be outside all the time, but it's just too hot. Here's hoping that it cools off just a bit sometime soon. To kick of everything fall, my page! Gotta love Pumpkins :)

A Whole Summer Gone By

2011-08-13T21:39:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that summer is over and I have been back to work for a week already. I am missing my time being a mommy at home with Payton. We had so much fun together this summer. She had her very first plane ride when we went to visit gramma in Utah, she had a blast at the beach with family, and her first trip to Sea World with Mommy, Daddy and Nana. We swam with friends at grandpas, had friends over, and went to their houses. She also exprienced her first bounce house at The Play Factory! Oh and the biggest thing....She got a new puppy! As of right now, it's a love hate relationship. They're working on it.

Our time together was so special and I am so sad to give it up. I knew that this time would come, but it doesn't make it any easier..... This summer my baby blossomed into an ariel,Belle, shoe loving, then shoe hating, talking machine of a girl. How did this happen? She tries to count, say her ABC's, sing "Itsy,Bitsy Spider, put her clothes on all by herself, and eat by herself. Now most of these things she has not mastered by any means which makes for some cranky and frustrating times for both her and mommy, but I couln't be more proud of her. It amazes me how much she knows. She is one smart cookie. A little ahead of herself, so hopefully that means this phase will just end sooner. Here are a couple of examples of what I mean.

#1 getting dressed
Me: Are you having trouble putting your shirt on? Here let mommy help you
Payton: a whiny and frustrated "NO!" puishing my hand away.

#2Attempting to shop at Target
Me: Ok Peanut we are going to go shopping( put her in cart)
Payton ( stiffin legs and scream) Up Up Up. ( starting to cry) Dow Dow Dow! All this while standing up in the cart

#3 outside
Payton: AWA ? Awa? ( outside) following ERic to go water

Me: Ok lets put your shoes on!

Payton: NO!

Me: Ok then we can't go outside... The cement is hot we need to wear our shoes. Do you want to go outside?

Payton: ehhh( with ahead nod yes)

Me: Ok lets get shoes on!( while grabbing them from closet)

Payton: Shoving my hand away saying no

#4
Me: Payton we need to sit in our chair when we eat we don't stand
Payton: Staring at me with a grin on her face
Me: Payton Sit down....
Payton: NO

These are just a few examples of her new found independence.... We are working on this everyday. Her persistence cracks me up. Sometimes it is so hard not to laugh. Just today I was giving her a bath and she was flinging the water out of the tub. Of course I told her that we need to keep the water inside or we are going to get out. she does it again, so I get her out, she cries and I tell her we can go back in, but we have to keep the water in the tub. She shakes her head yes, I put her in. She then continues to fling the water right in my face, and giggle! What a stinker!

I could go on forever, there is something new evryday! For now, here are some pictures of our summer. The beach and Sea World soon too come. There were just too many!

First Steps

2011-05-28T12:15:00.001-07:00

Well, she did it! She finally took the plunge and headed for the Jesus Loves Me book on two feet! We knew she has had the skill for quite sometime now, but she was just nervous to use it.

On May 19th she decided it was time. We went from falling on the ground in a tantrum if you let go of her hand to "Don't touch me I want to walk by myself!" in a matter of 5 min. Ever since, she has been roaming everywhere, and wants down ALL the time. Her dancing skills have also improved now that she stays up longer and has better balance. It's too cute. If music is on you will find her arms waving and her leg kicking! I'm so proud of her new found joy!...So is she!

OK I can do this....

Concentrating very hard

Success!!...And very proud of it!

A girl of many faces

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T12:16:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrate our Mothers and all that they have done for us. I feel so privileged to be a part of this day. As I woke up this morning and got ready to go to breakfast, I looked at my family and was overwhelmed with happiness. This is what I have always dreamed of. To have a happy family. Eric is so amazing, he makes me feel so special and loved, my daughter is the most beautiful little girl and has changed my life. Being her mom is the best thing that has happened to me. Life is good :)

Last Mother's Day

My how things have changed!

Two of a kind!

Bird Watching

2011-05-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

A caught Pay looking out the front window checking out the birds. I love it!

The Old Spaghetti Factory

2011-05-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

One night, back in March Eric and I wanted to go out to dinner. I know this is no surprise to anyone, but we could not decide where to go. We almost quit. Then we thought" Oh hey! The Old Spaghetti Factory just opened up, lets try that!" So we went in, got our buzzer, found a place to stand, and there are Debbie and Jeff! It was too funny. They had done the exact same thing we did. Needless to say we all ate dinner. Not the best Italian food, but Payton sure enjoyed it!

Perfetto!

Being Silly

One Year Well Check

2011-04-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Paytons one year well check went really well. She weighed 21.5 pounds and is healthy as can be. For Paytons sake I spared the nude photos of her being weighed, but they are cute! :)

Playtime

2011-04-29T22:59:00.001-07:00

More Cute Pictures of Peanut

2011-04-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

Because I have gotten so behind on blogging lately, I am attempting to make a come back. I will start with these adorable pictures of Payton that mom and I took while she was here. We had spent an entire day cleaning the house while Pay was enjoying some play time outside in the gate area.

Payton is ONE!!

2011-03-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

Our baby is a year old.... it has been 2 weeks since her party and I still can't wrap my head around that. Where did the time go? How is she already standing without holding on, how is she already say "HI" to every person that walks by her in a store? Is this really my Payton who was just born? I can't help but cry at the thought of time passing by so quickly. I wish I could bottle up every moment. I have the hardest time while at work. I think about her all day, and all the things that I am missing out on with her.

Payton does something new everyday. The newest, she says "hi" and "uh-oh" She stands with out holding on, but she will not try to walk unless you re holding her hand. She makes a great funny face,still loves to eat, and if there was any doubt of her being my child, your fears can lay to rest. She LOVES olives. Black and Green! So far the only food that she is not a fan of is spinach. I try all the time because I love it, but it's not happening. She is a Daddy's girl big time! If hes around, I don't exist. One night he was holding her and I sat down next to them and put my head on Eric's shoulder, Payton took her hand and pushed my head off! What a stinker!
She is still a great sleeper, going to bed by 8:00 and waking up by 7:00. This week we have taken away the pacifier, I thought that this was going to cause many sleepless nights. Much to my surprise, she's has done great! We had some crying the first day, but each day since was better that the one before. Today she took both naps and went to bed for the night with out tears!

The week leading up to her birthday was a busy one with work. All I wanted to do was focus on her big day and getting ready, but it just wasn't in the cards for me. I was so glad to have mom come Thursday night, so on Friday we did it all! I was a basket case, but it all came together with the help of family and friends! It was such a great party.

I ordered an adorable tutu for her and had a onsie embroidered. She looked like a little doll. The party was held at park right near our house, which was perfect for going back and forth with all the last minute decorating. James hussled and got my house as presentable as it could be ( god bless him) while Katie, mom, Debbie and I got the park ready. Payton loved her cake, and even tgried to share with everyone around her. I don't think she could get any cuter! IT was a PERFECT day. Thank you everyone for making it so speacial. Payton is a lucky little girl.

February Continued

2011-03-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandma!

I had my very first snowboarding trip! I was sore the following 2 days, but it was a great time!

Some February Pictures

2011-03-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Watching her favorite cartoon with Daddy

So into it!

"A cowboy needs a horse, needs a horse, needs a horse..."

Loves Piggy!

Gandma gave this card to Eric for his birthday last year.....We still have it!

I'm loving the curl

Having fun outside

Found something fun!

Valentine's Day

Helping put away pictionary....she just needed to make sure it was the right box

Swinging with Nana

11 months old

2011-02-12T08:54:00.001-08:00

This is something that I have been meaning to post that has been sitting in my saved items.....

1 More month until my little peanut turns one! Everyday I am in awe of her, she never ceases to amaze me. Each day she is learning something new. She can show you where her tummy is, where her hair is, show you how big she is, and where everyones eye lashes are. Every morning and after each nap she has to point to everything and show you around, this also goes for anyone walking in the door. Everyday when I get home, she shows me all things around her and babbles all about them. She still loves her books and turning the pages all by herself. She will just sit and look at the pictures and point to all the colors and animals she sees.
She is a wonderful sleeper, she will actaully reach for her crib, and then go to sleep. We have tried lots of different types of food, and so far there is nothing that she doesn't like.
Here are a few pictures of our beautiful 11 month old!

So Big!

A day at the Park

2011-01-09T13:40:00.001-08:00

Today we went on a short trip to the Park with Heather just to get out of the house. This was the first time that she's been, and by looking at the pictures, I dont think she liked it at all! Haha:) She had such a great time! She LOVED the swing and the slide, everytime that I picked her up to stop she would reach down to get back on. So fun!

First time on the swing! so much fun!

Swinging with Heather

Down the slide we go!

Double Digits!.... 10 Months!

2011-01-08T10:24:00.001-08:00

Payton has now hit the double digit range! I cannot believe that she is 10 months old. This last month has been full of new discoveries! Everyday seems like something new.

I don't even know where to start with this month, I think will begin with her sleeping habits. She still takes two naps a day, however, it seems that when Eric or I are home she decides that she wants to stay up! She sleeps for everyone that watches her during the week, but the weekend is a bit of a struggle. She will scream and cry and then decide that is not working, so she decides to talk and try each paci. Eventually she falls asleep, but it's not for long. Now bed time is great! She goes down around 7:30 or 8:00 and she goes right to sleep. Sometimes I will even try to stand and just hold her before I put her in, but she reaches for the crib and tries to lean into it! Cant complain there :)

She is now eating a lot more foods. Her favorite, or should I say our because it keeps her busy while we eat, is rice. Pretty much anything that is on the table is her favorite even if she has already eaten 20 min before. I would sit here and name everything she loves, but basically if you can think of it, she likes it or wants it off your plate. Haha!

She has lost her army crawl! She has been crawling all over the place and now knows where she wants to go in the house ( especially her room) it is so cute. I followed her around once and she went right to her room and pulled out the magnetic letters that are on the bottom shelf in her room and sat there and played happily by herself. While playing by herself and find her toys she's discovered that if you throw them on the floor they make a really loud noise, or someone will pick it up for her, so down everything goes as soon as it's in her hand. Along with that all she wants to do is pull sup on the furniture and throw anything that's in her way on the floor or put it in her mouth. She is also walking along the couch and coffee table, attempting to stand on her own, she can do it for a couple seconds then plops on her tush. She loves her new baby stroller, but she would rather be the one in it than the baby doll. She can tell you what an elephant says, she can wave hi and bye, if you ask her" Can I have some?" she will share whatever she has with you, we get kisses all the time now, point to our eyes and stick her finger in them trying to figure them out, she loves to make funny noises, still cracks her up to bonk heads with people, dance whenever music comes on, and look at herself in the mirror. She says "Dada" and "Mama" all the time, but I'm not sure if she has made the connection to us or if it's just babble. The bed is her favorite place to play! She loves to face plant into the pillows and for you to say " I'm gonna get you!" so she can crawl away really fast. She is climbing into her little chair all the time, which has made her want to climb into everything. She LOVES to look at books! She even has a favorite part in each one, but the one Eric and I like the most is from Love you Forever. There is a part in the book, I'm sure everyone knows, that says "she rocked him back and forth, back forth back and forth..." We don't even have to be reading the book and she'll stop and rock back and forth then smile really big and when we actually are reading the book she stares at me when I read that part on every page that it's on! It's so funny!

The most exciting event this month was her very first Christmas. It was so much fun to watch her expressions while opening presents! She wasn't quite sure what to think about it all... She is a lucky girl with lots of people who love her, and showered her with lots of gifts! Our living room is now a playroom.

Growing up your parents say " What goes around comes around, I can't wait until you have your own kids!" Well apparently it came around to Eric. Ever since I met him I have heard these stories of how he was a screamer, he would scream if he had to put a shirt and shoes on he would basically scream at anything he didn't like. Well, guess what Payton has started? Screaming. If she does not want a diaper change or to have her clothes put on her at a certain time, she screams and will tug on the sleeves of her shirt because shes mad. If there is food on the table and you give her a bite, she screams for more....See in my eyes this is not fair because I wasn't a screamer.... I love her anyway, and watching her personality develop is the most amazing thing. It blows my mind that she is becoming so independent already and has her opinions and makes them known. I love that when I look at her and give her a silly face she smiles or chuckles, and sometimes will give one back to me. I can't imagine our life without her.

Playing in her car seat

Hanging out with mommy

Climbing in her chair

She made it!

She peeks under everything! It's too cute!

Happy 10 Months my little peanut! I love you!

McCormick Ranch the first of two visits

2010-12-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we met some of the family at McCormick Ranch for Eric's cousins Birthday. Payton loved to watch the train go around, but once we actually got on she was unsure about the whole thing. The beginning of the ride she was on edge and a little scared, but by the end she seemed to enjoy it. Afterwards she would just keep pointing at the train as it went around the park. It was so cute I couldn't wait to come back so that Eric could see it!

More Christmas Pictures

2010-12-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T10:16:00.001-08:00

Last year at Christmas I was saying " Next year Payton will be 9 months old already, I wonder what she will be like..." And here we are! She had such a great Christmas and was so much fun! We started the festivities on Christmas Eve at Church with Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Mike and Nana, then we went to Nana and Papas house for dinner with the whole family and exchanged gifts with all of Daddy's cousins. We stayed pretty late, which made for a long night, then the next morning we opened gifts at home from Gramma and Grandpa James, from there we went to Nana and Papas again for more gifts, then to Nanee and Grandads In Casa Grande, then to Grandma and Grandpas for even more gift giving and dinner!

In church she was really good, her favorite thing to do at church is to stand up and look at the people who are sitting behind us and laugh and squeal at them. Of course whoever is there loves her! How can they not, she really hams it up!

While opening presents she liked playing with the ribbon,bows and boxes more than actually opening the gifts, along with all the bows and ribbon she got lots of toys and new big girl chair! I don't think she's loved enough.....

I know that I am always repeating myself when I say this but I cannot believe that this time has already come and gone. It was all that I expected and more. She is growing and learning more and more each day and we love to watch it all happen. This was a great first Christmas for Payton!

Good Morning! Merry Christmas

The first gift...."hmmm what do I do with this"

Daddy helping out

She loved this ball and it was hard to move on to the next gift, she just kept showing it to me over and over

Teddy from Nana and Papa

Opening up the chair

Such a big girl! She was so excited!

Sharing her wrapping paper with me

Watching the train at grandpas house

And more gifts......

Payton Meets Santa!

2010-12-11T18:15:00.001-08:00

Payton met Santa last night! I put the pictures in chronological order because it shows exactly how she reacted. At first she didn't know what was going on, then she started to get a clue, didn't know what to think, then she made up her mind, she wasn't a fan of the whole thing. It was so cute. Afterwards she just kept staring at him and all the kids sitting on his lap.
We had a great time watching her.

Cookie Monster

2010-12-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

We had a cookie monster in the house the other day. I was just putting the lettuce back in the bag to go into the refrigerator, when I turned around this is what I caught the little monster doing! She has discovered that she basically likes ALL foods. We can't eat right next to her or she does all she can to get it.

Going for another

The Newest Christmas Additions

2010-12-07T14:28:00.001-08:00

I actually got this last year from my dad, but I had already decorated and wasn't sure where to put it, but this year I found the perfect spot! Thanks dad!

This I saw at pottery barn kids, I just fell in love with it.A couple nights ago I came home and my Mother-in-Law had surprised me with it! It just adds to the room! Thanks Debbie!

9 Months old

2010-12-05T11:41:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness! Where does the time go??? As I say every time, I can't believe that she is another month old. This past month has been so much fun! We love to watch her explore. She has now realized that she can pull things off shelves and put them on the floor, she also can pull up really good now. She has been practicing for a couple months, but she has really mastered it and that's the only thing she wants to do. Here are a few other fun things that have happened this month:

1. She celebrated her 1st Thanksgiving. We had a lovely day down at Nanee and Grandads, and a great night evening at my dads. However, we were all getting over the flu but were feeling much better that day, and unfortunately dad and Deb both got it the following weekend.

2. She is loving to wave at people. She's waving all the time.

3. She is still a great sleeper. She goes down twice a day and most of the time, just lays down and goes right to sleep.

4. Peek-a-boo from behind the curtains is another fun game she has discovered

5. She still loves her baths

6. At church, she is little miss social with everyone around us. she really hams it up for them. She scrunches her nose and squeals, it is too funny!

7. Reading! We could sit and look at books with her all day, and she will just sit there. She actually gets upset if you take the book away.

8. Her crawling has really improved, she scoots about 50% of the time and the rest is now crawling.

9. She loves to be out and about, she enjoys seeing everything around her

10. I would say her most favorite thing to do lately is bonk her head on your head! she was doing this the other day and just cracking herself up! It was so funny. She's not a really big belly laugher, so it was cracking me up.

Everyday is so much fun, and I could not imagine life without her. She is just a happy little girl and we lover her so much.

Last weekend Pictures

2010-11-28T15:24:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had a nice Saturday morning with dad. He came over for breakfast after dropping Cheyenne off at a church event, and then we headed down his direction so dad could give Eric some tools and Pay got some good play time in.

Unfortunately on Sunday we had to go to a Celebration of Life Ceremony for Debbie's Aunt Margarita who lost her battle with cancer in early November, she will be missed greatly.

Play time at grandpas house

More Fun Pictures of Our Little Bug

2010-11-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Watching t.v. in mommy and daddy's bed

All snuggled up

Sleepy girl in her new penguin pjs

cheese...

I Think I Can, I Think I Can...

2010-11-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

She worked very hard on getting to her pacifier. It took her quite a bit of work, but she kept at it!!

But first, look at her joy for lambie! So precious

"Oh there is my paci! I was looking for that"

Got it!

So proud of herself!

All Tuckered out

Fun at cousin Coltons House!

2010-11-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

A couple weekes ago we went over to see Colton, and Payton had so much fun! This was her first time crawling on grass, I think she was so into getting to the dog she didnt even notice!

A New Discovery

2010-11-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

Payton has discovered that she does not want to go to sleep, and feels that she has a choice in the matter. Her newest discovery is that she can kneel in her crib and scream at us. She will throw a big fit, then I will go in, her pacifier is on the floor and she is peeking over the crib! It is so funny.

The Early Riser

2010-11-08T19:24:00.001-08:00

Since Payton decided to wake up extra early last weekend we decided to take on a walk to see the ducks....and yes it was early so it was chilly.....

8 Months!

2010-11-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

I know that I have a million things to post and update on, but first things first! Our little peanut has turned 8months old! She is doing so much now, and getting so big. She still tries really hard to crawl on her knees, she will do a couple, rock a little and then fall on her tummy and continue with the fastest army crawl you ever saw! This last month we had so much going on. The main event was my cousin Kyles wedding. We drove to California, stayed in a hotel with mom, James, Mark, Mike Amy, Mitch and the kids ( all separate rooms of course...that would have been nuts!) Payton was amazing, she barely made a peep the during the car ride and while we were in Hollywood, and everyone was having a heart attack, there was Pay, just hanging out in her stroller. Although she was not a fan of sleeping in the pack and play. She NEVER, and I mean never wakes up crying, I mean the scream cry where she doesn't stop, but while we were there she did that the second night. She just could not get comfortable. She would wake up every 3 hours and just cry. We finally just put her in with us, and that pretty much meant I didn't sleep. The rest of the trip was great! She got to meet her second cousins and and her great,great aunt and my God mother Dee Dee. Such a special memory.

She has also developed 2 naps a day the last anywhere from 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours and her second nap is at least an hour. She falls asleep around 8 and wakes up the next day between 6 and 7. It was always 7 but lately this 6:00 thing has been happening but she will usually fall back to sleep which is nice. She is still enjoying her days with all of the people who watch her. She has adjusted well. I am so lucky to have people who love her so much and give their time to help us out.

Not only are we scooting around faster than ever, she is pulling up and she also started sitting herself up a few weeks ago. One day after a nap I went to get her up, and there she was, sitting in her crib like a big girl waiting for me! It was the cutest thing. She has started to have these little silly moods, where she just experiments with faces and noises.It is so funny when you put her in front of the mirror,she gets so excited and then she just squeals and gives herself kisses( she basically sucks on the mirror) She is still enjoying her bath time and her most favorite song is "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" I am sure that there are a million things that I am forgetting, she is just changing daily! I promise I will not go this long between posts again. ....hopefully.... life just gets busy sometimes!

Such a Happy Girl!

On the move

"Oh, hey mom!"

Loves her reflection

7 Months

2010-10-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Better late than never! This month is just passing me by! I cannot believe that we are already at the middle of it!

October 5th Payton turned 7 months old, and as I say every time, I can't believe it! She is just getting so big. She scoots all over the house now and she wants so badly to be able to crawl on her knees but can't quite seem to get it. But she will, I have faith! Haha. She still rarely cries and is all smiles and a bundle of personality. She is so much fun! She has learned a new cry and by that I mean fake! While we were in California for Kyles wedding she discovered this cry/scream when she wants something, she also has a new scrunch face that is too cute for words!

Bananas and a Bath!

2010-09-26T12:10:00.001-07:00

So she loves baby food bananas and I thought since she loved that I would mash up a real banana....apparently she's not a fan.

These are just some cute ones I mean to post a while back of her first bath in the sink.

Well Check

2010-09-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

On Friday we took Payton for her 6 month well check, yes we are closer to 7 months but she was sick so we had to bump it back. She is still our little chunk at 18.5 pounds and in the 90th percentile for weight and the 95th for height. She was such a trooper, we were there for about 2 hours. The office was running behind and then when we actually got in the room there was a student, so that took longer than usual, and she had a rash that they were trying to figure out.( which has gone away now) Plus, she had 2 shots. As you can see she was not too thrilled after the shots....

My little munchkin

2010-09-26T11:47:00.001-07:00

Just some pictures from the last week or so......

Just relaxing on the couch

So excited!

Beautiful Girl

Practicing her moves

I think she's done with the picture taking!

Cake Pops

2010-09-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have discovered Cake Pops, and I love them! They are so fun to make and there are so many different things that you can do! If you want to check out the website just google Bakerella and you will be in Cake Pop heaven!

I made them for the first time yesterday and I think they turned out pretty good!

September 16, 2000

2010-09-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

10years ago today, Eric officially asked me to be his girlfriend! We went to the Sadie Hawkins Dance together and during the first slow song he asked the big question. "Will you go out with me?" Haha! so highschool! We have been through so much together, and if you have been around the last 10 years, you know all about the break ups, the getting back togeher, the fights,yet here we are. We have always been so in love that no matter what happpened we always came back to each other. He is my best friend, the person I can do anything with. He knows me inside and out. I have watched Eric go from a boy to a man, and I feel so lucky to have him as my husband. He's so wonderful to me, a great daddy to Payton. He has always been the love of my life and I always imagined what my life would be with him, when we would get married have kids and how it all would feel. I cant believe that it has all happened. I am so blessed.

Happy 10 years my love, I love you more than words can say.

Here's some pics of us through the last 10 years

Already???

2010-09-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

Should I be worried that she wants beer already......

A Rocking Rockstar

2010-09-10T23:16:00.000-07:00

She is trying so so so hard to crawl. She is now getting herself up on all fours and just doing the rock! It is the funniest thing to watch, she's really happy about it at first and then she realizes that she is not going anywhere and gets frustrated.

Who's in my car?

2010-09-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

The other day Carly and I went out to the mall and for lunch. We had such a great time just chatting and being out with our kids. Thanks for a fun day Carly :)

Well, we drove together and so we put Colton's seat in my car next to Payton and she just looked at him the whole time. It was so cute, wish I had a picture of that. Not to worry! I still have a cute one of them both sleeping with their heads tilted the same way.

This trip to lunch was also Paytons very first time in a highchair!(while eating out) Of course I forgot my highchair cover, but she lived. Haha! She felt like such a big girl, and had so much to explore from her new angle:)

Swim Time

2010-09-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

Even though it is still hot here in AZ my dad's and Debbie and Jeff's pools have both cooled down quite a bit, so I think Paytons swimming days are numbered. But she loves it and is having a great time while it lasts.

6 Months Already?!

2010-09-05T15:53:00.001-07:00

6 Months Old

I cant believe that our little Payton Leigh is already 6 months old! She has been so much fun, everyday is a surprise! She is now sitting up ALL by herself, she loves her oatmeal, she loves to snuggle with mommy and daddy, she is the most precious little person I know. I can't believe that 6 months has already passed and in just 6 more short months we will be celebrating her first birthday! Eric and I cherish everyday that we have with her because everyday seems to just go by faster than the one before. W are so blessed to have such a happy, healthy, beautiful baby girl. Happy 6 months little one! I love you to the moon and back!

Just cant help myself

2010-09-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

She's just the cutest thing and I cant help but take all these adorable pictures. These are just fron the past couple days.

She may only be 1/4 Italian but it still shines through! Here are the PJs mom got her from Italy

and chowing down on the Olive Garden croutons

New Styles By Daddy

2010-09-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

I came home from work today and this is what I found Payton dressed in.....I started cracking up and Erics words were " What? yellow and yellow right?"

Gotta love it!

Tickle Backs and New Clothes

2010-09-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Now that Eric is off on Saturdays we have been enjoying our family time together. The last two weekends we have gone to the mall just so we could do something and stay out of this heat! It's been really fun and I think that we may be creating a shopping monster in Payton. We went to the GAP and got her the cutest little overall outfit and little crawler pants, then her Nana took us to Carters and got her a bunch of cute clothes! What a lucky little girl she is :)

Now, you all know that Eric and I both love to have our backs rubbed ( which we call "tickle back") and it's only natural that we would pass this love of tickle back on to Payton. The other night I walked in the living room and Payton was laying face down on Eric's lap and he was softly rubbing her back, and she was not moving an inch. It was hilarious, she spotted her pacifier and slowly moved to get it as if he would stop if she made an quick movements. Haha!

New Toys

2010-08-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Now that our little love bug is practically sitting up on her own we just had to go get her some more toys! She gets so excited when you sit her down in front of them! She will bang on them as hard as she can and then try to eat whatever is in front of her! Concentrating on banging the piano! this is her "really into it" face

Bottle? What bottle?

2010-08-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Payton had her first experience with baby cereal! Last night was the first go around, she had no clue what was happening, it was so funny. She didn't like it at all, her face was just disgusted the whole time. Then this morning we tried again and it was a little better and by tonights feeding...she was a full blown pro! She loves to grab the spoon and help you do it and she pretty much ate it all! I couldn't believe how fast she caught on.

I'm ready!!Maybe this stuff isn't so badAll clean after my big mess!

Round 2

5 Months

2010-08-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Exactly a week ago today our little love bug turned 5 months old! This last month she has been busy busy busy trying to roll over and on July 31st just 5 short days of turning 5 months she did it and now shes a rolling machine,and REALLY wanting to scoot( she just turns in circles) I love it. It has been an exciting month for her, she has gained two new little buddies Landon and Colton and we are all very excited! Sadly She has had to adjust to mommy going back to work, and bless her little heart, she's been such a champion. She is with a different person everyday and is doing great! We are so lucky to have people who love her as much as we do and are willing to spend the day with her.

My Payton Leigh,

Just some of the many things we love about you:

1. Every morning we wake up to you babbling away in your crib

2. The way that you adore your diaper changes

3. Your happy screeches and leg kicking

4. They way to try to scoot but really your just turning in a circle

5. When your grab my face as hard as you can and suck on my cheeks or chin

6. The way that your twirl your whole hand around and examine it

7. That nobody, and I mean nobody can hold you and eat or drink because you start to whine and smack your lips because you want some.

8. the way that you grab at your bottle and as soon as it hits your lips your done trying to help

9. Your bright blue eyes

10. Your big smile that melts my heart

11. How anytime I sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider you stop what your doing and watch me.

12. How excited you get in the pool and in your bathtub

13. We love your chubby, cheeks, thighs and feet( we cant even get some shoes over those feet!)

14. When you freeze and don't move an inch when someone is whispering in your ear or softly kissing your cheeks. Kind of like you think that you are supposed to do that or something ! ha ha!

15. We love how happy you are all the time...people wonder if you ever cry.

16. I love when your so tired that you just lay your head on my shoulder and relax

17. The dimple on your right cheek!

18. How you just talk so loud to while we are out shopping and everyone can hear what you have to say!

19. The way that you follow daddy's voice when he plays peek-a-boo with you.

20. How much you love us too!

Happy 5 months my little Pumpkin!

I love you to the moon and back!

Some of her many faces ( Note- These were taken within 1 min)

Cheers!

2010-08-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

Well today I went to work! Sounds really weird to say those words, but I did. I am now an aide at Rancho Solano in the Pre-K 4"s class and I think it's going to be great. The people are very nice and welcoming. A big thing that stood out was how normal and professionally ran things are, I cant say the same about my last job as you all know. So as much as my heart is with Payton and I want be home with her, at least I am going to a place that isn't going to bring me down. I just have not had the luck in the places that I have been and I hope that this is a turn around. I had so many things going through my head about what to do, what was the right job to take, what would be best for Payton, and what makes me happy too. I couldn't stand the thought of another year being frustrated, and in the end not treated right. I feel that for the time being I made a great choice and it should be a good year, and we will see where things go from here. After all that has gone on in the last two months I feel that there is no way to look but up and better things are headed our way. So Cheers!

I can do it!

2010-08-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Payton rolled from her back to her tummy and did not get stuck! She has been attempting this for such a long time, and she finally got it and is so proud of herself! Not only that, while we were at dads for dinner she was a rolling machine and even is trying to scoot to get her pacifier. Holly molly shes growing way too fast already. Daddy to the rescue!Boy that was rough!

Daddys Day Off

2010-08-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

We put together the highchair....and Payton wants to eat it!Then she went for the camera...

Moms Visit

2010-07-28T09:37:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to post these pictures for awhile and have just now gotten around to it. We had a really fun time while mom was here. Mostly we just hung out at either Michaels or Hobbly Lobby Mom is teaching me to needle point so that I can make a stocking for Payton! But while we were looking for needle point stuff we found a new fun one, punch needle! It's so fun!
Payton got lots of gramma time and is looking forward more in October at Kyle's wedding. James brother and wife,Jeff and Rhonda happened to be here from Colorado the same time as mom , so we had a nice dinner with them at Olive Garden:) IT was a great week and of course it went by way too fast as always... Here are some pictures. They are mostly of Payton though, she kind of takes over the camera now Ha ha!

Welcome Baby Colton

2010-07-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

Last night Eric, Payton and I went to see the proud new parents and their precious little bundle Colton! He was so small, but whats funny is that he was a little ( not much) bigger than Payton when she was born, and he just seemed so teeny tiny. Here we are, Payton is 41/2 months and is gigantic next to him! Carly and Matt are doing great despite the rough delivery she had! They are going to be great parents. Congratulations you guys! We were so happy to be able to come see you and meet the little guy.

Summer Fun Continued

2010-07-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

On July 3, 2010 we took Pay in the pool for the first time! She loved it. You wouldn't know it by her facial expressions but she really did. When we got in she was just very still, no tears or anything, she was just taking it all in. Eric and I took her around a bit while Deb took pictures and Mike took video. She was very serious the whole time, but you could tell that she was loving it. She finally realized that she could splash the water and while we were holding her you could feel her little legs kicking under the water. At one point we were going to take her out, but she started crying so I just took her over to the step and she was happy as can be splashing away. Of course I have the cutest pictures to show you of her pool adventure!

Getting ready to go

Pool Fun with Mommy and Daddy

Swimming with Uncle Mike

Fun with Gramps

Splash Time

All Done!!

Feet, Feet, Feet, I Love My Feet!

2010-07-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

Druing the last few weeks she has been grabbing her feet, but now....she's inspecting them all the time. Today, the flower on her sock.

Summer Fun

2010-07-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

The last month has been full of exciting times! At the end of June Payton went to the beach for the first time. Eric and I drove down on Friday morning and Payton was such a champ! She was so great in the car, practically slept the whole way and when she was awake, she was happy as can be.

Pre Payton we would always stop at the Carl's Jr. in Yuma, get something to eat, however, this trip that was not the case. Me, I made sure that we had everything. I had all our clothes, all Pay tons clothes, diapers,wipes,socks, shoes, extra outfits in case of different weather, her bottles, bottle brushes,dish washing liquid, her lambie,her little play gym, thermometer and Tylenol(you never know) I had it all and then some. As we were driving I told Eric that the timing of Yuma was perfect because she would be ready to eat....then it hit me...I left the Formula on the counter!!! So our new stop was the target in Yuma ( which was actually quite nice) where we changed her picked up formula, bottled water and a new bottle that doesn't leak. I was using the AVENT ones, but those were terrible, we now use the Nuk brand and I love them, so does Pay.

We couldn't be any luckier, we have such an amazing little girl. I don't think that she cried the whole trip unless she was hungry. We took her to the Marina, we drove to Carlsbad and spent Fathers day there, she was in a whole new place and was amazing. We didn't spend too much time on the beach because we were worried about her skin but the 20 min or so that we were I am sure she enjoyed it! Next year will be so much fun she will be able to do so much more! I cant wait:)

on our way

Thank goodness I am out of that car!

On the beach

Daddy's little girl

Mommy and Payton

playting with Amy

I had fun dressing her for the cool weather! LOVE the hat...too cute

the gilrls

4 Months Old

2010-07-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Right before our very eyes Payton is changing daily. In just the last few weeks she has become so much more of a baby. She is now laughing. grabbing her feet, babbling up a storm, reaching for things,trying to grab, but has not quite perfected it yet, and showing her excitement by moving her whole body with kicks. It is so amazing to watch her grow. Happy 4 months little one, we love you.

Happiness

2010-06-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

I couldnt be happier:)

3 Months Old

2010-06-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

2 days ago Payton turned 3 months old! During this last month she has really mastered holding her head up, and pushing off her legs to help you stand her up! She is still all smiles, and constantly talking. I had to go back to work this last week and it has been really difficult for me, but I look forward to coming home to her bright smiles and our conversations. She babbles to me all about her days with Nana. She absolutely loves to be with people and to be talked to, she also loves when you sing to her! In the morning she wakes up a little groggy and as soon as we sing the Good Morning Song, she is ready for the day! It is so cute! Her personality is really developing, she is so easy going and just a great baby. We are so blessed! Happy 3 months my little one.

So Sad...

2010-05-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

There are two things that make me sad...

1. My camera broke, so for now until I get a new one or fix this one I have no pictures

2. This is my last day home with Payton. I have already cried this morning and I'm sure it will come over me again, but I am trying not to think about it and just enjoy the day with my little peanut. Being home with her and watching her change each day has been the best 3months of my life. She brings me happiness everyday, especially when she looks right into my eyes and gives a great big smile. This first week of work is going to be really rough....

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T16:33:00.001-07:00

First I would like to say Happy Mother's Day! This year I was able to join the club! The last two months have been the most special time of my life. Being able to spend my days with my baby, love her, teach her, and see how she changes each day is the most exciting and rewarding thing in the world! I love every moment of it, being a mom is what I was meant to do. Eric made sure that my first Mother's day was very special, we just spent the day togather as a family. We started with a nice quiet breakfast, then we took Payton to the zoo and just walked around.(We got her a cute peek-a-boo jungle book) We didn't stay too long it started to get a bit hot, from there we went to lunch and then headed home. It has been an amazing day. Thank you to my wonderful Eric for making it so special...I love you!

A Visit From Grandma

2010-05-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a nice visit from Grandma! Deb came out to the house for the day to hang out with Payton and get in her play time:) This was the first time that she has seen her since her little personality has been developing and loved every minute with her. Payton was all smiles! She just loves visitors:) Later on we went to JCPenny with Debbie Gundry ( AKA Nana) and Nana took her there to get her two month old pictures taken. She was so cute in there, got a little frustrated at times( She was waking up from her nap in the car) but we got some REALLY cute pictures! I cant wait to get them next week! So thank you to the grandmas for such a wonderful day!

2 Months

2010-05-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

Today our baby is 2 months old. I cannot believe it! These past to months have been the best months of our lives and we could not be more happy. Having Payton in our lives is the biggest blessing and we love her so much. She has changed so much from last month. It is safe to say that she has put on a little weight, she loves to stand ( with us holding her obviously) she locks her little knees and just loves it! When we are not hungry or tired she LOVES to listen to us talk to her, she coos and is all smiles, she loves to eat her hand and arm while playing on her tummy, and you cant keep her head still, she wants to look all around at things.( such a little bobble head) The picture in our living room is her favorite thing to look at. If we are on the couch talking and trying to play with her, Forget it because her attention is on that picture!

Play time with Mommy and Daddy

We Give...she's not going to look....

Phil and cleaning reminds me of 1 thing...

2010-04-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

Today I was cleaning the house and listening to Phil Vassar, which reminded me of my best friend. To this day when either of us hear Phil we think of the time in our lives when this picture was taken. We lived in our apartment and always cleaned to Phil Vassar!

What great times!

Caught!

2010-04-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Both of their faces look like they got caught with Lyla trying to get Payton out! HA HA!

Whew!

2010-04-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today we had Eric's company picnic, and boy it's hotter than I thought. I was really enjoying the cool weather that we were having before...sad to see it go. The picnic was out in Scottsdale as usual but this year we brought our baby:) That just makes me smile. She and daddy had matching shirts and they looked great together! Everyone at the picnic just loved her!

Father and Daughter

Family Photo

Mother and Daughter

Payton's new friend!( she really was happy about it, she just didn't feel like showing it. he he)

Future Picnic Buddies!